That is correct. I may not have the right "ears" but so far i haven't been able to make out the difference (using hdtracks files and a/b testing the two formats in flac).
will do. |
Mizuno,
Did you mean to say you have yet not heard differences between 24/96 and 24/192 files?
Maybe you could try John Swenson's software mods and decide for yourself between S/PDIF and USB from the Touch. The mods are resetable, just in case. I would be interested in your findings too. I'm also uncertain about S/PDIF vs asynch USB in the context of DACs and transports in this price range. |
Thx, Lewinski.
I'm probably still biased as i still have the mindset that Spidf trumps USB as an interface. You are right that this is increasingly challenged.
Thx again.
p.s. I have a w4s dac1 with the dac2 supercaps to match the audio quality of the dac2. I didn't need the remote, and am using SPDIF or opticl inputs. Im currently using 24/96 USB from my PC but am thinking about adding logitech touch (and SPDIF) to import my files straight from my NAS. If i wanted to go to 24/192, I would probably change my dac. To be honest, i havent herd one file yet where i could not notice the difference between 24/96 or 24/192 when i tested it with some friends on their audio systems. Nor could they. I tend to believe that 24/96 will become the new standard. |
Hello,
I have the W4S DAC 2 with the SB touch and love the combo, preferred it to the Rega DAC and Havana DAC in my system (both the Rega and MHDT are still great units).
Running through S/PDIF..... |
Mizuno: If I were to settle on S/PDIF output from the Touch I would probably choose the Bryston over the W4S DAC2 or DAC1. The big question in my mind is whether S/PDIF out is good out of the Touch.
You might have heard about John Swenson's software mods to make the Touch output through the USB port, which sounds as an intriguing option when connected to an asynch USB DAC, like the DAC2 or DAC1. W4S said the DAC1 can be sold with 24/192 capability, but after that upgrade and the very much recommended caps upgrade, the price of the DAC1 is almost the same as the DAC2...and it would be easier to resell a DAC2 than an improved DAC1, I think.
On another thread Steve Nugent from Empirical Audio mentioned people are reclocking the S/PDIF output of the Touch. Other than Cerrot's solution (great, I'm sure, but expensive), anybody reclocking? How? |
lewinski,
why w4s dac2 if you can use the spdif output on the touch? wouldnt a w4s dc1 be enough? |
I have the Bolder power supply and the digital upgrade. The Power supply is about equal to the digital mod upgrade in terms of performance improvement. |
I am using the Berkeley Audio DAC with my Touch. I have the Touch going into the Esoteric G25U upsampler/clock - now, that's a nice upgrade. CIA power supply as well but thinking of the Boulder. |
I'm using an mhdt Constantine that I paid less than $400 for used and the sound is absolute top notch. |
Has anyone heard the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC? |
My suggestion, CIA Power supply and a Wyred4Sound DAC1. According to Rick at Wyred4Sound the sound of the DAC 1 is the sme as the DAC 2. The advantage of the 2 being high res files will sound better.
I am very happy with the combo, and I appreciate the excellent support from Logitech.
Having a remote in your hand that is a tuner and your entire cd collection is something we couldn't even dream of 30 years ago. |
Concerning the power supply, I ordered one from Welborne yesterday. They had sale for 20% off plus free shipping so I jumped on it (oh well, there goes the battery option).
Lewinskih01: I rather not spend that amount if I can can get something comparable for around $1k.
ska man: The PS Audio DAC is sold. Has anyone tried the PS audio DL3? There is a new one listed for $799. |
A PS Audio DL3 with Cullen stage 4 was just listed ( no affiliation ) for $875.00 with shipping. A pretty good deal in your price range. |
Let me add that the whole battery power thing was accomplished using a $15 sealed lead acid battery and a $30 charger. |
Ronrags: as you look into power upgrades for the Touch, don't overlook the battery-power alternatives for it. |
I'm running a Musical Fidelity V-DAC (battery powered) with my Squeezebox v3. Sounds pretty darn good to me. |
FWIW, I'm also looking for a DAC to pair with my Touch, and my top list includes W4S DAC2, Bryston BDA-1, and possibly Burson DA-160 (to be released soon). All three have discrete analog sections. A couple forum members tried the DAC2 and BDA1 in their systems and preferred the BDA1. A used BDA1 sells for about $1600, close to DAC2.
Hopefully Burson's DAC is a good contender.
Also, have you checked Soundchekk's toolbox to improve on the Touch's sound? These are mostly software options you can set up yourself: will cost you nothing, and is likely to improve sound. |
From your responses it appears the power supply is the way to start. I'll look into both the Welborne and the Bolder for prices. I know DACs sound different and I guess it depends on my taste in sound quality. I looking for a DAC that will have a tight bass response and smooth highs. I listen to variety of music from jazz, classical and rock. Most often rock recording aren't that great especially on CDs. I'm not sure if a DAC will help the sound quality on these recordings. |
I run the W4S DAC2 with my SBT with great results... |
The most appealling thing about the SBT was the quality for the price. My search for the better began with using a Cambridge DAC magic-no significant improvement. Using a better power supply made sense (after consulting a friend who knows more about this stuff than me). I chose the Welborne power supply as it was less $ than the Bolder. The next step was more difficult as it ran against my grain to spend loads of $ on a device prized for the above stated reason. I wound up with the Burson HA-160 DAC as the price was proportional to the SBT and I'm very happy with the result. I do wish the DAC had more inputs though. |
First thing you should do is get an upgraded power supply and then get Wayne at Bolder Cable to do a digital output mod on your Touch, then worry about which DAC to buy. The Wyred 4 Sound DACS are pretty good from what I have heard. I am using an Antelope audio Zodiac+ which I feel is even better but its more money ($2K used). |
I have the exact same question regarding a DAC for my Squeezebox Touch that I am using with my B&W 802DI speakers and my Cambridge 840W amplifier and 840E preamplifier. Have you also considered the Rega Dac which retails in the US for $995? |
